Google’s new Gemini Flash 2.0 image generation tool is capable of removing watermarks from copyrighted images, users on social media have found. The model is currently in its “experimental” phase, and only available to developers.
A slew of apps that are capable of removing objects from photos and filling in the gaps are already available. Newer generative AI models have made them even more capable, and companies like Adobe have been adding updated object-removal tools to their photo editors. Apple Intelligence includes a tool called “Clean up” on iOS and macOS that enables this for supported devices.
The post below on X shows how well Gemini Flash 2.0 is at removing objects.
New skill unlocked: Gemini 2 Flash model is really awesome at removing watermarks in images! pic.twitter.com/6QIk0FlfCv
— Deedy (@deedydas) March 15, 2025
Major closed models from the likes of Google and OpenAI are typically “nerfed,” meaning they have significant restrictions in place to avoid legal trouble. The latter’s Dall-E image model will not generate images of copyrighted characters, for instance. Microsoft recently sued a group of individuals who managed to trick its image models into generating porn. Do not fear, /r/photoshoprequest, as Google will almost certainly attempt to reign in watermark removals.
As some have noted, it is likely impossible to put the cat back in the bag completely on this one, as open models have safety guardrails that can be disabled. But by demonstrating that it is putting in effort to prevent misuse, Google protects itself from legal responsibility. Even open models can come with license agreements, and of course, law enforcement and courts can stop abuses.
One funny thing to note in the case of the watermark removal is that Google’s model adds its own watermark to images modified or generated by AI, so as to make it clear to viewers that it is not genuine. It could be described as an allegory of AI itself: Take something owned by someone else, strip any proof of ownership, and then add your own identifying mark.
